Updated Spring 2024
Welcome to our curated selection of the best books about Morocco! As dedicated fans of this enchanting North African country, we’re continuously exploring novels set in Morocco. It’s a fantastic idea to immerse yourself in literature or fictional tales before your first visit, as it prepares you for the journey ahead. Alternatively, if you’ve just returned home and want to relive your memories, reading about Morocco can deepen your understanding of its rich cultures and histories.
There’s a wealth of literature set in Morocco, spanning everything from dreamy romantic escapades to insightful historical narratives and light-hearted accounts of expatriates navigating their new lives. We’ve compiled a list of the best stories and notable authors that celebrate Morocco, which we encourage you to explore.
The Best Books About Morocco
The Caliph’s House – by Tahir Shah
Let’s begin with my top pick set in Morocco, authored by the fantastic Tahir Shah, known for his candid storytelling sprinkled with humor. This engaging book earns its place at the top of our recommended reading list due to the vivid and at times terrifying experiences that capture the essence of starting anew in a foreign land.
What is it about? The Caliph’s House documents the journey of Tahir Shah and his family as they relocate from London to Casablanca and undertake the renovation of a dilapidated mansion. Their adventures include encounters with mischievous djinns and the bizarre rituals of exorcism, all while they navigate the challenges of fitting into a new culture. Filled with drama and humorous anecdotes, this book on Morocco is a true page-turner.
Best for: Those who have traveled to Morocco and dreamed of living in a beautiful riad, reminiscent of tales from 1001 Nights. It’s a perfect read before you take the plunge!
Buy The Caliph’s House on Amazon
The Salt Road – by Jane Johnson
This was the first fiction book about Morocco I ever read, and it ignited my ongoing passion for this vibrant country. The Salt Road enchanted me with its portrayal of Tafraout and the Anti-Atlas Mountains, diverging from the popular settings of Marrakech or Fez. Jane Johnson’s writing style makes it easy to read the entire book in one sitting!
What is it about? This is a captivating Moroccan fairytale filled with golden desert dunes, silver amulets, and dashing Tuareg warriors. The Salt Road includes elements of romance under starlit skies, secret riddles, and a princess, keeping you enthralled throughout.
Best for: Readers seeking escapism, romance, and an exploration of Morocco’s lesser-known regions.
Purchase The Salt Road
A Year in Marrakech – by Peter Mayne
I discovered Peter Mayne’s book after my first visit, and despite being published over 60 years ago, it resonated with me just as though it were fresh off the press. The book paints a captivating portrait of life within the Marrakech medina, offering a glimpse into a society that has remained timeless. Out of all the books about Morocco I’ve encountered, this one stands out for its honesty and charm.
What is it about? Mayne recounts his experiences living in the old city of Marrakech during the 1950s, taking readers on a journey through winding alleyways and bustling markets. He introduces us to his local neighborhood, friends, and adventures as he learns to thrive in the red city.
Best for:First-time visitors to Marrakech who want to get a feel for the city and seasoned travelers reminiscing about their past experiences.
Buy A Year in Marrakech
The Saffron Trail – by Rosanna Ley
This mesmerizing novel is an exceptional piece of escapist literature set in Morocco. Rosanna Ley crafts a delightful world filled with magic, mystery, and self-discovery. If you’re looking to be whisked away to another time and place from the comfort of your sofa, this is the book for you!
What is it about? This enchanting story follows Nell as she travels from the sandy shores of Cornwall to the saffron fields of southern Morocco. In Marrakech, she embraces the culinary delights of Moroccan cuisine while healing from her past and exploring her heritage.
Best for: Anyone planning a cozy afternoon of reading, especially those intrigued by Moroccan cuisine.
Buy The Saffron Trail on Amazon
Assembly of the Dead – by Saeida Rouass
I hesitated to pick this one up because I’m not generally drawn to crime stories. However, the journey of a detective from Tangier through the dark underbelly of 20th-century Morocco captivated me. This work offers a unique insight into the shadowy corners of Marrakech, making it one of my favorite books set in this vibrant country.
What is it about? Detective Farook finds himself out of his depth when he leaves the coastal city of Tangier for the perilous streets of Marrakech. With young women disappearing, it’s his mission to uncover the truth behind their abductions, navigating through famine and a landscape rife with danger.
Best for: Fans of crime fiction interested in Morocco’s history and the dark tales of Djemma el Fna square.
Buy The Assembly of the Dead
The Last Storytellers: Tales from the Heart of Morocco – by Richard Hamilton
If you have ever witnessed the magic of a storyteller captivating an audience in Jema el-Fna at night, this book about Morocco will resonate with you. The folklore shared through generations has often remained unrecorded until now.
What is it about? Richard Hamilton sets out to preserve the fading art of Moroccan storytelling by compiling some of the finest tales into this accessible book. These vibrant fables provide an enchanting glimpse into a culture teeming with mystery—offering readers a rare experience of a side of Moroccan life that seldom reaches visitors.
Best for: Readers looking for a captivating glimpse into Moroccan culture through unique tales.
Buy The Last Storytellers on Amazon
A Death in the Medina – by James von Leyden
This gripping crime story set in Morocco presents a unique perspective on life in the red city. The quirky characters and the timing of the story, coinciding with Ramadan, add depth to the narrative. This depiction of Marrakech offers a different flavor, while the shady dealings and thrilling plots don’t detract from the city’s allure!
What is it about? A young detective is assigned to solve the case of an English tourist who was robbed during a hot summer. Join him as he navigates a world filled with dark secrets and dangerous adversaries, where death lurks around every corner.
Best for: Aspiring sleuths who love unraveling mysteries against an exotic backdrop.
Buy A Death in the Medina
Adventures in Morocco – by Alice Morrison
Author and adventurer Alice Morrison shares her personal experiences in Morocco—ranging from participating in the famous Marathon des Sables to hiking in the Atlas Mountains. Known for inspiring many amateur explorers, especially women, Alice’s narratives of solo travel in North Africa are truly motivational.
What is it about? Initially visiting Morocco for the Marathon des Sables, Alice eventually makes it her home, exploring every corner of the country in search of adventure. Experience the enchanting tales of living with nomads in the Sahara through her captivating storytelling.
Best for: Adventure seekers and armchair travelers will relish her tales of cultural exploration and breathtaking landscapes.
Buy Adventures in Morocco
The Lioness of Morocco – by Julia Drosten
This enchanting fictional narrative beautifully captures the essence of indulgent holiday reading. Set in the 19th century, it transplants a young unmarried woman from pre-Victorian England into the unfamiliar world of Mogador on the North African coast, presenting a tale of survival and triumph.
What is it about? Sibylla seeks marriage as an escape from the constraints of London life, but her journey takes unexpected turns involving a deceitful husband, a charming French soldier, and a cunning sultan.
Best for: Anyone curious about Berber culture while enjoying a captivating story.
Purchase The Lioness of Morocco
A House in Fez – by Suzanna Clarke
This thoughtful book brimming with heart recounts the journey of a couple who left New Zealand to buy and renovate a crumbling house in the heart of Fez. Secluded amidst narrow alleys of this ancient city, their home was a labor of love, and their journey didn’t stop there; they later purchased a second house—Dar Malika—a lovely traditional riad that welcomes guests.
What is it about? Suzanna and her husband Sandy acquire a house on the verge of collapse and pour their time and energy into restoring it. The couple navigates the joys and challenges of local life, ultimately settling into their beautifully restored home.
Best for: Anyone dreaming of managing a riad in Fez who wants practical advice on the journey available to them.
Buy A House in Fez on Amazon
The Sultan’s Wife – by Jane Johnson
I won’t apologize for including two novels by Jane Johnson, as she has an incredible talent for storytelling. The Sultan’s Wife offers an exciting glimpse into the courtiers’ lives under tyrannical rulers in Meknes, providing a refreshing change of scenery from commonly explored haunts.
What is it about? The story follows Englishwoman Alys, captured by corsairs during a sea voyage and sold into the sultan’s harem. She must navigate survival in a hostile land while making choices that could lead to her demise alongside various intriguing characters in the Moroccan royal court.
Best for: Readers who, as children, dreamed of being whisked away by dashing pirates into a world of thrilling adventures.
Purchase The Sultan’s Wife
For Bread Alone – by Mohamed Choukri
This autobiographical novel by Moroccan author Mohamed Choukri leaves a deep impression on readers. For Bread Alone chronicles his passionate struggle for survival against the backdrop of famine and neglect in 20th-century Morocco.
What is it about? Mohamed arrives in Tangier as a young boy, forced from his home in the Rif Mountains in search of better living conditions. His journey unfolds against a backdrop of tragedy and hardship, culminating in a lifelong passion for literature.
Best for: Anyone interested in reading a first-hand account by a Moroccan author depicting life in the 1950s.
Purchase For Bread Alone on Amazon
In Arabian Nights – by Tahir Shah
This collection of folklore tales is meticulously researched and compiled from various regions in Morocco. Tahir Shah shares his stories with a blend of humor and insight that draws readers into the culture. In Arabian Nights stands out for its exploration beyond conventional narratives, offering perspectives that few outsiders encounter.
What is it about? The collection presents tales originating in Marrakech and Fez alongside stories from the Saharan wilderness and the Atlas Mountains, filled with eccentric characters and vivid narratives that unveil Morocco’s rich tapestry.
Best for: Readers seeking to be transported to an extraordinary realm through enthralling tales featuring djinns and remarkable characters.
Buy In Arabian Nights on Amazon
What Lies Within – by Annabelle Thorpe
This psychological thriller reveals the darker aspects of expatriate life in Marrakech, reflecting the toll of feeling like an outsider. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the city’s souks and riads, the narrative explores friendships built upon deceit.
What is it about? The story follows three friends from vastly different backgrounds as they embark on a new life in Morocco. As buried secrets are unearthed, relationships begin to unravel, culminating in an unimaginable crime that challenges their perceptions and connection to the country.
Best for: Those who enjoy a gripping mystery and are curious about the unpolished aspects of Marrakech.
Buy What Lies Within on Amazon
The Sand Child – by Tahar ben Jelloun
This book delves into Morocco’s extensive oral history to narrate a story that brings to light difficult truths. It powerfully addresses themes of colonialism and gender politics, providing a poignant view of societal struggles.
What is it about? The narrative follows the eighth daughter of a man with no sons, who is raised as a male to bypass inheritance laws. As she grows older, she experiences the complexities of womanhood, making for a deeply human exploration of identity and society.
Best for: Readers wishing to delve into a world often unexplored by outsiders.
Buy The Sand Child
Lords of the Atlas – by Gavin Maxwell
This one is for true Morocco enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of the places they’ve visited. My favorite historical book about Morocco, it brings to life the stories behind the kasbahs and strongholds that compel travelers today.
What is it about? Lords of the Atlas traces the rich history of the Glaoui tribe, documenting their rise to power through the early 20th century as they transition from medieval Marrakech to their majestic kasbahs in the Atlas Mountains.
Best for: Anyone interested in the historical forces that shaped Morocco as we know it today.
Buy Lords of the Atlas
The Sheltering Sky – by Paul Bowles
Written in 1949 by American expatriate Paul Bowles, who lived in Tangier for much of his life, The Sheltering Sky explores the feelings of isolation that often accompany new arrivals in a foreign land. Its central themes resonate universally, reflecting Bowles’ own experiences adapting to a new environment.
What is it about? Port and Kit, a married couple, travel from New York to explore North Africa without a defined destination. Their journey aims to reignite their marriage but is challenged by the cultural disparities they face.
Best for: Readers keen to broaden their knowledge of historical Morocco or those who have seen the 1990 film and wish to delve deeper.
Purchase The Sheltering Sky
We hope you enjoyed our list of books about Morocco and discovered a few titles to add to your reading list. If you have other novels set in Morocco that we should include, please share them in the comments! We’re always excited to find new Morocco literature to enjoy, and these selections merely scratch the surface.
Happy reading!
